I-PERF NSF Postdoc Position: FPGA Design and Verification Engineer

Program Overview:

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Innovative Postdoctoral Entrepreneurial 

Research Fellowship (I-PERF) offers a unique career pathway for entrepreneurial-minded doctorate 

holders in science and engineering (S&E). I-PERF aims to:

• Accelerate innovation in small businesses supporting federal research needs.

• Broaden participation in small businesses, innovative research and high-tech 

entrepreneurship.

• Provide non-academic opportunities for applying advanced knowledge in business 

contexts.

• Increase the number of high-tech businesses started by underserved doctoral degree 

holders.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced FPGA Design and Verification Engineer to lead a dynamic team in 

the design, development, and verification of advanced FPGA-based systems for edge computing 

applications. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and fostering 

collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with software engineers and system 

architects to define and implement system-level requirements, ensuring alignment with 

project goals.

• FPGA Design Development: Develop complex FPGA designs using Verilog and other 

hardware description languages (HDLs), specifically targeting Xilinx FPGA platforms such as 

the Z-7000 series.

• Tool Utilization: Utilize Xilinx tools, including Vivado, Eclipse, and Vitis, to create, simulate, 

and implement FPGA designs effectively.

• Algorithm Development: Develop and optimize algorithms for constraint-driven 

computing, focusing on signal sampling and edge computing across hardware and software 

platforms.

• Verification Strategy: Establish and maintain a comprehensive verification strategy, 

including the creation of extensive test benches and validation procedures to ensure design 

integrity.

• Technical Leadership: Provide mentorship and technical guidance to team members, 

fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

• Industry Awareness: Stay current with the latest FPGA technologies, tools, and industry 

trends, proactively introducing innovative techniques and methodologies to enhance team 

capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Education: Post-PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in FPGA design and verification, with a 

proven track record of successful projects.

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in Verilog and other HDLs, along with programming skills 

in C for embedded systems.

• Hands-On Experience: Demonstrated experience with Xilinx FPGA platforms, including the 

Z-7000 series, and tools such as Vivado, Eclipse, and Vitis.

• Familiarity with Systems: Knowledge of Peta Linux and Linux operating systems and their 

integration with FPGA-based systems.

• Understanding of Concepts: Strong understanding of signal processing, edge computing, 

and algorithm optimization for constraint-driven computing.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

• Communication Skills: Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to 

work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder).

• Must have graduated from a Post Doctorate Degree in the last 7 years.

• Candidates must not have previously been involved with Fire Neural Network.

• This is a full-time position for a duration of 1 year